Who’s behind it Joel and Chera Harris
What’s on the menu Real-deal, everyday Hawaiian comfort food
When it opened February 2025
While vacationing in Hawaii years ago, chef Joel Harris developed a deep connection to the island’s cuisine. This led him to spend a few years working alongside acclaimed chef Sheldon Simeon of Tiffany’s restaurant, embracing the island lifestyle along the way.
Harris wanted to bring a taste of the Pacific to Calgary. Together with his wife, Chera, they opened Aloha Modern Kitchen, a cheerful, sky-blue island oasis. Taking to heart his mentor Simeon’s advice to “be true to who you are and what you want to cook,” Harris has created a menu at Aloha that is a heartfelt tribute to authentic Hawaiian comfort food — not the tourist-friendly version, but the kind locals crave.
With dishes like loco moco and classic plate lunches with flavourful proteins such as garlic shrimp and crispy mochiko chicken, everything is served with generous helpings of rice and creamy macaroni salad. The crowd-favourite Hawaiian-style poke is crafted with fresh fish flown in weekly.
And the tropical cocktail menu will transport you to Hawaii with delicious creations like the tangy Li Hing made with Hawaiian salt-plum powder or the Tutu’s Mai Tai topped with guava foam — a playful twist on the popular Hawaiian restaurant Monkeypod Kitchen’s iconic drink.
Aloha Modern Kitchen is your gateway to a true taste of the islands — without leaving the city.
100, 5920 Macleod Tr. S.W., 403-333-3675, @alohamodernkitchenyyc
